Online Reporter
Takudzwa Manzero
Post Correspondent
A TOTAL of 485 inmates in Manicaland have benefited from the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which has been rolled out across all provinces in the country.
Of these, 423 male inmates and 17 female inmates have been released, while 45 male inmates had their sentences reduced.
At Mutare Farm Prison, a total of 123 inmates were released today while another 70 were released from Mutare Remand Prison. Elsewhere, in Chipinge (112), Little Kraal (84) and Rusape Prison (51) inmates have been released.
Speaking during the official release ceremony, the Officer Commanding for Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) in Manicaland Province, Commissioner Spetosomusa Chinobva urged the released inmates to seize the opportunity for a fresh start, warning against returning to criminal activities and encouraged them to become law-abiding citizens.
“Congratulations to all who managed to make it into the categories fit for release. I would also like to thank the President Emmerson Mnangagwa for releasing you on what has been titled – “amnesty” but is constitutionally termed the Presidential Executive Prerogative of Mercy. This means that today’s release has been upon the discretion of the President to help people living in prisons so that they may live a good life. Of course we are thankful to the Commissioner General Chihobvu for pleading and collaborating with the executive branch of Government through the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, so that this day may come into fruition,” she said.
Ends
